Network neutrality: Is careful empirical analysis losing out to clicktivists and late night pundits?

[Commentary] Who has the Federal Communications Commission’s ear? Popular sloganisms and even late night comedic routines appear to rule the world of reactionary clicktivists.

The idea that we need to “save the Internet” seems to ring true to many. But beyond the slogans, in the world of methodic research and study, the truth is quite different. Plainly stated, Title II regulation – in any form – will not “save” the Internet, it will break it. This assertion is based not on popular catchphrases and late night witticisms, but on detailed, tedious and careful empirical analyses of the negative impact of past Title II regulatory experiences and similar arduous analyses of the Internet ecosystem and market system. Don’t take my word for it, look to the vast majority of scholarly economists who work in this field -- eighteen of whom I was honored to join in a letter to the five FCC Commissioners requesting them to concentrate on the evidence around Title II regulation, not on catchy slogans.

[Boliek is an associate professor of law at Pepperdine University School of Law]